I have to tell you; I have often wondered why people in Biblical times, and even now in modern times, believed in the possibility of more than one god existing. It isn’t surprising though, because society has always look to “something else” and changed what that “something else” is to chase what they think will make them happy.
What I really think they are saying is: “You can believe what you want, but don’t mess with me. I like my god, the one I think I control.” Ironic, isn’t it?
And then, there are those who think one higher being exists, some will even label this being God. However, they also reason that you can get to him many ways. I think I feel for this person the most, because the logic he/she is following starts out in the right direction, but then strays completely off course.
So why am I so sure there is only one true God?
Creation proclaims Him. As I sit back and look at some of the most beautiful things in creation – various landscapes, rainbows, and those little people we call babies – I am convinced chaos did not bring them forth.
God Himself makes it known in Scripture. Just one example of this is in Isaiah:
I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me, so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting people may know there is none besides me. I am the Lord, and there is no other. Isa. 45:5-6 NIV
Yes, the God of the Bible is who I believe in. Interestingly, as science moves on to higher levels of discovery, and architectural finds continue to unearth more and more ruins, the Bible is only more justified in its claims of the one true God.
God and I are connected through Jesus.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NIV
Not only did He leave a very detailed record for me to study, but my connection with Him is unmistakable. It is not a head issue for me, it’s a heart issue. Once Jesus comes into your heart, there is no denying His presence nor that of the Father’s.
So how can you and I help those around us know the one true God?
First, we must be clear on what we believe. The foundational belief of Christianity is that Jesus is the one true son of the living God. He lived, He died, and He rose again to offer salvation for all mankind. Those who are true followers of Christ are convinced He is the reflection of the one true God.
There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Esp. 4:4-6 NIV
Second, we have to know what makes Christianity different from other religions. No other religion teaches that God reached down to humanity. They instead teach the need for humanity to reach up to God. But John makes it clear that God made the connection for us.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:17 NIV
Third, we must be both lifelong students and daily reflections of Him. We will not be able to articulate what makes God stand out above other so called gods if we don’t have a direct and active relationship with Him ourselves. If we know little about what is written in the Bible, we will not have enough to go on. And if I say I believe God is kind and compassionate, I should be kind and compassionate as well. Knowledge linked with action is powerful.
One of my favorite quotes by C.S. Lewis is this:
I believe in Christianity as I believe in the rising sun; not because I see it, but by it I can see all else.
Today, let’s work toward telling others about the one true God! Remember, be clear on what you believe and be able to present that to others, know the key difference between Christianity and other religions, and strive to be both a lifelong student as well as a daily reflection Him.
What experiences have you had with others that believe in a different version of God than the God of the Bible?
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.